Join the Fifth and Final Kelly’s Ride Tomorrow

You can still join the Fifth and Final Kelly’s Ride tomorrow (Saturday, June 5) for a bike ride down the shore of 65, 40 or 25 miles.

The mission of Kelly’s Ride is to raise money for specific agencies dedicated to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged girls and young women physically, academically, emotionally and spiritually, in tribute to Kelly Marie Vogdes.

Kelly was 25 years old and a remarkable young woman. With her exuberant energy, genuine warmth and gregarious nature, she stood out in a crowd. She displayed her love for life, family and friends with wide open eyes, dimpled smiles, kindness and compassion.

Born and raised in South Jersey, Kelly graduated from Camden Catholic High School and went on to complete her B.A. in Fashion Merchandising at Philadelphia University. Upon graduation, she was hired by the Jones Apparel Group. Pursuing an executive track position, her job site moved to New York, but her heart and home remained in South Jersey.

And, South Jersey will always remember Kelly and her parents Joe and Kathy. They have saved lives of young women here and around the world.

* Robins’ Nest, Inc., New Jersey (www.robinsnestinc.org) – “Life Link” Homes for youth aging out of the child welfare system

* Philadelphia University (www.philau.edu/development/kellysride.html) – The Kelly Marie Vogdes Scholarship Fund. Their second scholar is entering her junior year studying fashion merchandising and design

And, Kelly’s Ride will expand and help even more … since the earthquake hit Haiti on January 21, over 300,000 little children have been orphaned, abandoned, or seriously injured.

So, Kelly’s Ride is including the Fr. Wasson Baby House in Haiti as one of beneficiary agencies in 2010. This baby house will be dedicated especially to serving the needs of newborn to children aged 6.

Representatives from all of Kelly’s Ride’s helping partners, (Amigos de Jesus Orphanage; The Kelly Marie Vogdes Scholarship Fund at Philadelphia University; Robins’ Nest, Inc. Life Links Homes and The Father Wasson Baby House in Haiti) will be on hand to show you how your support literally saves the lives of little girls and young women in need, at risk, or in danger, in New Jersey and beyond.

Last year, more than 500 riders, volunteers, sponsors and corporate donors raised thousands of dollars. Now you can help too – it is not to late to register on-site.

You can join up and ride along the Pennsauken Phalling Phive – just be careful, they fall down a lot!

• All bikes must be in performance shape for the ride. Keswick Cycle will be on hand to help fill tires, etc., but it is the responsibility of each individual rider to make sure his or her bike can take them the distance they have chosen. It is recommended that all riders carry an extra tire, and a bike pump with them.

• It is illegal in the state of NJ to ride with an Ipod, or even a cell phone jack into your ear.

• Ride single file. No exceptions

.• Stay hydrated. All of the launch sites, and the rest stops will have plenty of plain water and three flavors of vitamin enriched Skinny Water.

• Keep the emergency card number with you at all times. If you become disabled, or if you see someone who has taken themselves off the road, be sure the incident has been called into the central emergency manager, Dan Vogdes.

After you cross the finish line in Ocean City, food will be provided by Mack and Manco Pizza; Seafood recipes and samplings from Island Grill, Spadafora and Rastelli’s; Isgro’s cannoli; soft pretzels; three flavors of skinnywater; and your choice of premium turkey or beef wrap sandwhiches courtesy of Island Grill.

Four fine masseuses will be ready to make your tired muscles relax…all complimentary.

Kelly’s Ride 5 signature hats, a goody bags, including men’s shaving kits from Gilette, and other assorted gifts will be waiting for all riders.

Photographer Tom Camp has been snapping photos of Kelly’s Ride participants and venues for the past four years. In 2010, be sure to stop by our photo tent to see if you or your friends have been captured by the camera. Digital prints, 5×7 will be available for you to take home for a $5 donation to Kelly’s Ride. Payment by cash or check only please.

Or pose with your friends for a snapshot for a $10 donation!

The five years of Kelly’s Ride has been a snap shot of Kelly’s life and her parents Joe and Kathy – all lives that continue to give … and live!

About Kevin Callahan

Now in 30th year writing for the Courier-Post, including 28 years in sports. Currently writing columns on the Philly pro sports scene.

2 Responses to Join the Fifth and Final Kelly’s Ride Tomorrow

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Vogdes
The East Brunswick Police Benevolent Association PBA Local 145, would like to make a monetary donation for Kelly’s Ride. Please provide us with the pertinent information to make the donation. Thank you and God Bless,

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